🔗 Share this article

It was almost a perfect outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barcelona two goals to one in the famous derby to extend their lead in first place in the Spanish league to five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his first domestic strike and setup this campaign after a tough few months healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe showed his lethal performance when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural Clasico as coach worked like a charm.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.

Frustrated with being substituted, Vinicius protested on his way straight past the coach before stormed down the tunnel, then coming back on the sidelines after a short while.

Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes from Jude Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, considering seven of Real's previous eight managers were defeated in their debut La Liga meeting against Barcelona.

Following the player-focused approach from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced an important victory.

A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid performed excellently, while Barca were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they retreated with discipline, all players even the forward.”

“They defended in two layers spaced by five to 10 metres. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems good news for the midfielder, who previously had been tasked to do everything in the center and additional duties.

Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he could to move centrally and link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst continued, “By using Camavinga in the center, this provides greater energy and better ability to close down the spaces.”

“That forced them to put Jude wide right. Certainly he was instructed to track the forward's positioning when he had the ball with room, connecting with him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, his name were sung multiple times by an enthusiastic home supporters.

However recently there were numerous stories over the past period that the club could entertain letting him leave if the right offer was made.

He will have one season to go on his contract when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half indicated strained relations. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The expert said, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself close to being the top star, but the team drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and Vinicius currently.”

Their System “Crumbles”

After winning all four of recent derbies, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain early form.

Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is not organized, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press the ball-carrier adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was neutralized.

The big names weren't at their best. Yamal doesn't feel like in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues